4 Defensemen Flames Should Target Via Trade After Juuso Valimaki Injury

The Calgary Flames could be looking for some defensive help after it was reported that up-and-coming defensemen Juuso Valimaki tore his ACL in an offseason practice. With the defending Norris Trophy winner and captain Mark Giordano still leading their blue line squad, these four candidates would be a welcomed additions to the Calgary defensive core.

4. Dion Phaneuf

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Could it be time for a Dion Phaneuf-Flames reunion? Although his career is nearing it's end, Phaneuf could be another solid veteran option on the Flames blue line. However, the 34 year-old's past few seasons have been wildly unproductive and filled with poor plus-minus stats. The benefit of bringing in Phaneuf would be that Calgary wouldn't have to give much to the Kings in return.

3. Dan Girardi

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Dan Girardi is another potential veteran target that the Flames could add via a trade. Over the past two years, he's been one of the more reliable blue liners in Tampa despite not adding much at the offensive end. The real incentive to trade for Girardi are his solid plus-minus numbers. After signing Kevin Shattenkirk, the Bolts would probably be willing to part ways with him for a decently low return.

2. Shayne Gostisbehere

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Flyers fans had extremely high hopes for Shayne Gostisbehere when he came out of college. However, after last year's debacle of a season in Philly, Ghost could very easily be on the move. The Flyers may end up giving him a last chance this upcoming season, but for the right price Calgary could probably land the 26 year-old. He could potentially add some offensive help at the position that the Flames lack outside of Giordano.

1. Justin Faulk

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This one is definitely a long shot. The Hurricanes and their fans have fallen in love with Justin Faulk over the past few years as both a solid defensemen and leader. However, the Flames have plenty of trade bait that could be packaged to land him. His right-handed shot would be a welcomed addition to a defensive corps loaded with lefties.